Rosewood fall to NCSSM

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on May 8, 2008 3:15 PM

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Rosewood's seniors didn't envision this ending.

Not this soon.

Just days after clinching their third consecutive Class 1-A Carolina Conference women's soccer title, the Eagles' season ended with a 4-1 loss to N.C. School of Science and Math on Wednesday evening.

It was the opening round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs. And it was the finale for Rosewood seniors Mary Jo Moore and Kelly Cosgrove.

Using a relentless hustle to loose balls, while controlling the midfield, the Unicorns claimed a 4-1 lead by intermission. Chelsea Sasser accounted for the Eagles' lone goal off an assist from Gabby Cornman.

"They are just more skilled and talented than we are," said Eagles head coach Eddie Maldonado. "They have girls that play soccer year round where we have girls that just play during soccer season. In the first half, they beat us to every loose ball.

"They're just a far better team than we are."

NCSSM dictated the pace after halftime and attempted three corner kicks in the first 15 minutes. The No. 14-ranked Unicorns (11-7-1 overall) had a pair of shots sail over the crossbar and two more turned away by Rosewood keeper Taylor Johnson.

"In the second half we came out and played harder, and I was pleased that we played harder," said Maldonado. "They're just a better team than we are. I've got a young team and I don't think they really knew what they were getting into."

The Eagles are expected to return a roster full of underclassmen next season.

"I told the girls at the beginning of the season after the first game I would look at us and think we're in trouble," said Maldonado. "If they improve next year as much as they improved this year, we'll be good next year."

Rosewood concluded the year 12-6-1 overall and entered the contest ranked No. 9 in the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association poll.